After freak shot put accident in May, this North Texas coach is finally home
After a two-month recovery from a shot put accident in May, Ponder ISD coach Blake Crutsinger is home.
Crutsinger was released from the hospital Thursday and was met by friends, family and members of the Ponder ISD community. Throughout his recovery, he has received an outpouring of support on social media, with thousands offering encouragement and prayers.
“Lion Nation, Coach Crutsinger is home!,” Ponder ISD wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for the countless prayers, messages, and support shown to Coach Crutsinger and his family. We are incredibly thankful to share that he is home and continuing his healing journey. Please continue to keep Coach Crutsinger and his family in your prayers as he recovers. We are so grateful and can’t wait to see him back with his Lion family when he’s ready.”
Crutsinger, who was struck in the head by the shot put, still has a long journey of outpatient rehab, as he relearns some motor and language skills. Although his verbal skills are a work in progress, he still showed that he was moved by the support he received in his return, shedding a tear in a CBS News interview.
Blake Crutsinger’s wife, Leslie Crutsinger, helped rally the community behind her husband with consistent social media updates detailing his recovery process.
Crutsinger’s GoFundMe has raised $42,992 to help the family cover medical expenses.
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 10:39 AM.
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